09 July 2018

IRR of Republic Act No. 9165 (part 3)


ARTICLE V
PROMOTION OF A NATIONAL DRUG–FREE WORKPLACE PROGRAM WITH THE PARTICIPATION OF PRIVATE AND LABOR SECTORS AND THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR AND EMPLOYMENT


Section 47
Drug–Free Workplace

It is deemed a policy of the State to promote drug–free workplaces using a tripartite approach. With the assistance of the Board, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) shall develop, promote and implement a national drug abuse prevention program in the workplace to be adopted by private companies with ten or more employees. Such program shall include the mandatory drafting and adoption of company policies against drug use in the workplace in close consultation and coordination with the DOLE, labor and employer organizations, human resource development managers and other such private sector organizations.

a.   A National Drug–Free Workplace Abuse Prevention Program shall be formulated by a tripartite Task Force composed of representatives from the DOLE, workers’ and employers’ groups. It shall be supported by the Board, other concerned government organizations (GOs) and non–government organizations (NGOs).

b.   The Secretary of the DOLE shall issue a Department Order creating a Task Force consisting of tripartite and other agencies to formulate policies and strategies for the purpose of developing a National Action Agenda on drug abuse prevention in the workplace. Pursuant to the declared policy of the State and the national workplace policy, the DOLE shall issue a Department Order (DO) requiring all private companies to adopt and implement drug abuse prevention programs in the workplace, including the formulation of company policies.

c.   Pursuant to the functions of the Board under Section 81(a) of the Act, the existing Civil Service rules and policies needed to respond to drug abuse in the public sector shall be adopted.


Section 48
Guidelines of the National Drug–Free Workplace Program

The Board and the DOLE shall formulate the necessary guidelines for the implementation of the national drug–free workplace program; the amount necessary for the implementation of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

The Task Force shall develop a comprehensive National Drug–Free Workplace Program in accordance with the following guidelines:

a.   All private sector organizations with ten or more personnel shall implement a drug abuse prevention program.

(1)   The workplace shall include advocacy and capability building and other preventive strategies including but not limited to: company policies, training of supervisors/managers, employee education, random drug testing, employee assistance program and monitoring and evaluation.

(2)   The workplace program shall be integrated in the safety and health programs.

b.  DOLE and labor and employers’ groups shall also encourage drug–free policies and programs for private companies with nine workers or less.

c.   Any officers or employee found positive for use of dangerous drugs shall be dealt with administratively which shall be a ground for suspension or termination, subject to the provisions of Article 282 of Book VI of the Labor Code.

d. Private sector organizations may extend the drug education program to the employees/personnel and immediate families to contribute in the promotion of a healthy drug–free family, community and society.

e.   All private sector organizations shall display in a conspicuous place a billboard or streamer with a standard message of “THIS IS A DRUG–FREE WORKPLACE: LET’S KEEP IT THIS WAY!” or such other messages of similar import.


ARTICLE VI
PARTICIPATION OF THE PRIVATE AND LABOR SECTORS IN THE ENFORCEMENT OF THE ACT


Section 49
Labor Organizations and the Private Sector

All labor unions, federations, associations, or organizations in cooperation with the respective private sector partners shall include in their collective bargaining or any similar agreements, joint continuing programs and information campaigns for the laborers similar to the programs provided under Section 47 of the Act with the end in view of achieving a drug free workplace.

It shall be required that the workplace drug abuse prevention policies and programs be included as part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).


Section 50
Government Assistance

The labor sector and the respective partners may, in pursuit of the programs mentioned in the preceding Section, secure the technical assistance, such as, but not limited to, seminars and information dissemination campaigns of the appropriate government and law enforcement agencies.

a.   The DOLE, DDB and PDEA and other government agencies shall provide technical assistance in planning, developing, monitoring and evaluating drug abuse prevention programs, including a referral system for treatment and rehabilitation, in the labor sector both private and public.

b.  Workplace drug abuse prevention programs shall be included in existing advocacy and capability building programs of the government.

c.   The labor inspection arm of the DOLE shall develop an appropriate inspection form to be integrated in the on–going general labor standards inspection.

d. The information and dissemination of pertinent provisions of the Act and the IRR shall be included in the agenda of the advisory visits of the labor enforcement advisory team.


ARTICLE VII
PARTICIPATION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS


Section 51
Local Government Units Assistance

The LGUs shall appropriate a substantial portion of their respective annual budgets to assist in or enhance the enforcement of the Act giving priority to preventive or educational programs and the rehabilitation or treatment of drug dependents.

a.   Consistent with the principles of local autonomy, the local sanggunian shall appropriate substantial funds from their annual budgets to be utilized in assisting or enhancing the enforcement of the Act, giving priority to educational programs on drug abuse prevention and control and rehabilitation and treatment of drug dependents, such amount to be determined by the sanggunian concerned based on the perceived need of the locality.

b.  As used in this Section, “perceived need” may cover such factor as, but not limited to, the following:

(1)   Considerable increase in the number of drug dependents in the area;

(2)   The rise in drug–related crime incidents as certified to by the local PNP and/or PDEA; and

(3)   The need for preventive and advocacy initiatives.


Section 52
Abatement of Drug Related Public Nuisances

Any place or premises which have been used on two or more occasions as the site of the unlawful sale or delivery of dangerous drugs, or used as drug dens for pot sessions and other similar activities, may be declared to be a public nuisance, and such nuisance may be abated, pursuant to the following procedures:

a.    Any city or municipality may, by ordinance, create an administrative board to hear complaints regarding the nuisances, to be composed of the following:

(1)  City/Municipal Health Officer as chairperson

(2)   City/Municipal Legal Officer as member, provided that in cities/municipalities with no legal Officer, the City/Municipal Administrator shall act as member; and

(3)  The Local Chief of Police as member;

b.  Any employee, officer, or resident of the city or municipality may bring a complaint before the administrative board after giving not less than three days written notice of such complaint to the owner of the place or premises at his/her last known address;

c.   Within three days from receipt of the complaint, a hearing shall then be conducted by the administrative board, with notice to both parties, and the administrative board may consider any evidence submitted, including evidence of general reputation of the place or premises;

d. The owner/manager of the premises or place shall also be given an opportunity to present any evidence in his/her defense;

e.    After hearing, the administrative board may declare the place or premises to be a public nuisance;

f.   The hearing shall be terminated within ten days from commencement.

Subject to the limitation on personal services under the Local Government Code of 1991, the availability of funds and the existing Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Local Budget Circulars, the Sangguniang Bayan/Panlungsod may grant reasonable honoraria to the chairperson and member of the administrative board.


Section 53
Effect of the Administrative Board Declaration

If the administrative board declares a place or premises to be a public nuisance, it shall issue an order immediately prohibiting the conduct, operation or maintenance of any business or activity on the premises which is conducive to such nuisance. The city/municipal mayor shall implement the order of the administrative board and shall assume full responsibility in seeing to it that the order is immediately complied with.

The order issued by the administrative board shall expire after one year, or at such an earlier time as stated in the order. The administrative board may bring a complaint seeking a permanent injunction against any nuisance described under this IRR.

The administrative board, upon showing that the place is no longer a public nuisance, may conduct hearing with the complainant duly notified, for the possible lifting of the order.

The DDB shall issue guidelines on the proper implementation of the order of the administrative board in case the place or premises declared as a public nuisance is a residential house, without prejudice to the filing of criminal case against the owner of the house pursuant to Section 6 of the Act.

This IRR does not restrict the right of any person to proceed under the Civil Code on public nuisance. Neither shall this restrict the power of the Sangguniang Bayan and Sangguniang Panlungsod per Section 447 [a] [4] [i] and Section 458 [a] [4] [i], respectively, of the Local Government Code, to declare or abate any nuisance.


ARTICLE VIII
PROGRAM FOR TREATMENT AND REHABILITATION OF DRUG DEPENDENTS


Section 54
Voluntary Submission of a Drug Dependent to Confinement, Treatment and Rehabilitation

A drug dependent or any person who violated Section 15 of the Act may, by himself/herself, or through his/her parent, spouse, guardian or relative within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, apply to the Board or its duly recognized representative, for treatment and rehabilitation of the drug dependency. If the examination by a DOH–accredited physician results in the nuisance of a certification that the applicant is a drug dependent, he/she shall be ordered by the court to undergo treatment and rehabilitation in a Center designated by the Board for a period of not less than six months. Provided, that a drug dependent may be placed under the care of a DOH–accredited physician where there is no Center near or accessible to the residence of the drug dependent or where said drug dependent is below eighteen years of age and is a first–time offender and non–confinement in a Center will not pose a serious danger to his/her family or community.

Confinement in a Center for treatment and rehabilitation shall not exceed one year, after which time the court, as well as the Board, shall be apprised by the head of the treatment and rehabilitation center of the status of said drug dependent and determine whether further confinement will be for the welfare of the drug dependent and his/her family or the community.

The DOH, in consultation with the DDB, shall provide standards and guidelines for the accreditation of the physicians.


Section 55
Exemption from the Criminal Liability under the Voluntary Submission Program

A drug dependent under the voluntary submission program, who is finally discharged from confinement, shall be exempt from the criminal liability under Section 15 of the Act subject to the following conditions:

a.   He/she has complied with the rules and regulations of the Center, the applicable rules and regulations of the Board, including the after–care and follow–up program for at least eighteen months following temporary discharge from confinement in the Center or, in the case of a drug dependent placed under the care of the DOH–accredited physician, the after–care program and follow–up schedule formulated by the DSWD and approved by the Board: Provided, that capability–building of local government social workers shall be undertaken by the DSWD;

b.  He/she has never been charged or convicted of any offense punishable under the Act, the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972 or Republic Act No. 6425, as amended; the Revised Penal Code, as amended; or any special penal laws;

c.   He/she has no record of escape from a Center: Provided, that had he/she escaped, he/she surrendered by himself/herself or through his/her parent, spouse, guardian or relative within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, within one week from the date of the said escape; and

d. He/she poses no serious danger to himself/herself, his/her family or the community by his/her exemption from criminal liability.


Section 56
Temporary Release from the Center, After–Care and Follow–Up Treatment under the Voluntary Submission Program

Upon certification of the Center that the drug dependent within the voluntary submission program may be temporarily released, the court, shall order his/her release on condition that said drug dependent shall report to the DOH for after–care and follow–up treatment, including urine testing, for a period not exceeding eighteen months under such terms and conditions that the court may impose.

If during the period of after–care and follow–up, the drug dependent is certified to be rehabilitated, he/she may be discharged by the court, subject to the provisions of Section 55 of the Act, without prejudice to the outcome of any pending case filed in court.

However, should the DOH find that during the initial after–care and follow–up program of eighteen month, the drug dependent requires further treatment and rehabilitation in the Center, he/she shall be recommitted to the Center for confinement. Thereafter, he/she may again be certified for temporary release and ordered released for another after–care and follow –up program pursuant to this Section.

The DOH shall formulate standards and guidelines, in consultation with the DDB, for after–care and follow–up treatment wherein the following provisions, among others, shall be incorporated:

a.   The DOH–accredited physician can recommend to the court the release of a drug dependent at least forty five days after initial admission to a facility; and

b.  The physician should likewise prescribe a comprehensive after–care and follow–up program which the dependent should adhere to in order to complete at least eighteen months, depending on the assessment and evaluation of the physician and subject to the approval of the court.


Section 57
Probation and Community Service under the Voluntary Submission Program

A drug–dependent who is discharged as rehabilitated by the DOH–accredited Center through the voluntary submission program, but does not qualify for exemption from criminal liability under Section 44 of the Act, may be charged under the provisions of the Act, but shall be placed on probation and undergo community service in lieu of imprisonment and/or fine in the discretion of the court, without prejudice to the outcome of any pending case filed in court.

Such drug dependent shall undergo community service as part of his/her after–care and follow–up program, which may be done in coordination with non–government, civic organizations accredited by the DSWD, with the recommendation of the Board.


Section 58
Filing of Charges against a Drug Dependent who is not rehabilitated under the Voluntary Submission Program

A drug dependent who is not rehabilitated after the second commitment to the center under the voluntary submission program, shall, upon recommendation of the Board, be charged with violation of Section 15 of the Act and prosecuted like any other offender. If convicted, he/she shall be credited for the period of confinement and rehabilitation in the Center in the service of his/her sentence.


Section 59
Escape and Recommitment for Confinement and Rehabilitation under the Voluntary Submission Program

Should a drug dependent under the voluntary submission program escape from the Center, he/she may submit himself/herself for recommitment within one week therefrom, or his/her parent, spouse, guardian or relative within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity may, within said period, surrender him for recommitment, in which case the corresponding order shall be issued by the Board.

Should the escape fail to submit himself/herself or be surrendered after one week, the Board shall apply to the court for a recommitment order. Upon proof of previous commitment or his/her voluntary submission by the Board, the court may issue an order for recommitment within one week.

If, subsequent to a recommitment, the dependent once again escapes from confinement, he/she shall be charged with violation of Section 15 of the Act and be subjected under Section 61 of the Act, either upon order of the Board or upon order of the court, as the case may be.


Section 60
Confidentiality of Records under the Voluntary Submission Program

Judicial and medical records of drug dependents under the voluntary submission program shall be confidential and shall not be used against him/her for any purpose, except to determine how many times, by himself/herself to through his/her parent, spouse, guardian or relative within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity, he/she voluntarily submitted himself/herself for confinement, treatment and rehabilitation or has been committed to a center under this program.

However, where the drug dependent is not exempt from criminal liability under Section 55 of the Act, or when he/she is not rehabilitated under the voluntary submission program, or when he/she escapes again from confinement after recommitment, the records mentioned in the immediately preceding provisions, which are necessary for his/her conviction, may be utilized as evidence in court against him/her.


Section 61
Compulsory confinement of a Drug Dependent who refuses to apply under the Voluntary Submission Program

Notwithstanding any law, rule and regulation to the contrary, any person determined and found to be dependent on dangerous drugs shall, upon petition by the Board or any of its authorized representatives, be confined for treatment and rehabilitation in any center duly designated or accredited for the purpose.

A petition for the confinement of a person alleged to be dependent on dangerous drugs to a center may be filed by any person authorized by the Board with the Regional Trial Court of the province or city where such person is found.

After the petition is filed, the court, by an order, shall immediately fix a date for the hearing, and a copy of such order shall be served on the person alleged to be dependent on dangerous drugs, and to the one having charge of him/her.

If, after such hearing and the facts so warrant, the court shall order the drug dependent to be examined by two physicians accredited by the Board. If both physicians conclude that the respondent is not a drug dependent, the court shall order his/her discharge. If either physician finds him to be a dependent, the court shall conduct a hearing and consider all relevant evidence which may be offered. If the court finds him/her a drug dependent, it shall issue an order for his/he commitment to a treatment and rehabilitation center under the supervision of the DOH. In any event, the order of discharge or order of confinement or commitment shall be issued not later than fifteen days from filing of the appropriate petition.


Section 62
Compulsory submission of a Drug Dependent charged with an offense to treatment and rehabilitation

If a person charged with an offense where the imposable penalty is imprisonment of less than six years and one day, and is found by the prosecutor or by the court at any stage of the proceedings, to be a drug dependent, the prosecutor or the court as the case may be, shall suspend all further proceedings and transmit copies of the record of the case to the Board.

In the event the Board determines, after medical examination, that public interest requires that such drug dependent be committed to a center for treatment and rehabilitation, it shall file a petition for his/her commitment with the regional trial court of the province or city where he/she is being investigated or tried: Provided, that where a criminal case is pending in court, such petition shall be filed in the said court. The court shall take judicial notice of the prior proceedings in the case and shall proceed to hear the petition. If the court finds him to be a drug dependent, it shall order his/her commitment to a Center for treatment and rehabilitation. The head of said Center shall submit to the court may require, a written report on the progress of the treatment. If the dependent is rehabilitated, as certified by the Center and the Board, he/she shall be returned to the court, which committed him, for his/her discharge therefrom.

Thereafter, his/her prosecution for any offense punishable by law shall be instituted or shall continue, as the case may be. In case of conviction, the judgment shall, if the accused is certified by the treatment and rehabilitation center to have maintained good behavior, indicate that he/she was confined in the Center: Provided, however, that when the offense is for violation of Section 15 of the Act and the accused is not a recidivist, the penalty thereof shall be deemed to have been served in the Center upon his/her release therefrom after certification by the center and the Board that he/she is rehabilitated.


Section 63
Prescription of the Offense charged against a Drug Dependent under the Compulsory Submission Program

The period of prescription of the offense charged against a drug dependent under the compulsory submission program shall not run during the time that the drug dependent is under confinement in a Center or otherwise under the treatment and rehabilitation program approved by the Board

Upon certification of the Center that he/she may temporarily be discharged from the said Center, the court shall order his/her release on condition that he/she report to the Board through the DOH for after–care and follow–up treatment for a period not exceeding eighteen months under such terms and conditions as may be imposed by the Board.

If at anytime during the after–care and follow–up period, the Board certifies to his/her complete rehabilitation, the court shall order his/her final discharge from confinement and order for which he/she is originally charged. Should the Board through the DOH find at anytime during the after–care and follow–up period that he/she requires further treatment and rehabilitation, it shall report to the court, which shall order his/her recommitment to the Center.

Should the drug dependent, having been committed to a Center upon petition by the Board escape thereform, he/she may resubmit himself/herself for confinement within one week from the date of his/her escape; or his/her parent, spouse, guardian or relative within the fourth degree of consanguinity or affinity may, within the same period, surrender him for recommitment. If, however, the drug dependent does not resubmit himself/herself for confinement or he/she is not surrendered for recommitment, the Board may apply with the court for the issuance of the recommitment order. Upon proof of previous commitment, the court shall issue an order for recommitment. If, subsequent to such recommitment, he/she should escape again, he/she shall no longer be exempt from criminal liability for use of any dangerous drug.

A drug dependent committed under this particular Section who is finally discharged from confinement shall be exempt from criminal liability under Section 15 of the Act, without prejudice to the outcome of any pending case filed in court. On the other hand, a drug dependent who is not rehabilitated after a second commitment to the Center shall, upon conviction by the appropriate court, suffer the same penalties provided for under Section 15 of the Act, again without prejudice to the outcome of any pending case filed in court.


Section 64
Confidentiality of Records under Compulsory Submission Program

The records of a drug dependent who was rehabilitated and discharged from the center under the compulsory submission program, or who was charged with violation of Section 15 of the Act, shall be covered by Section 60 of the Act, shall be covered by Section 60 of the Act. However, the records of a drug dependent who was not rehabilitated, or who escaped but did not surrender himself/herself within the prescribed period, shall be forwarded to the court and their use shall be determined by the court, taking into consideration public interest and the welfare of the drug dependent.


Section 65
Duty of the Prosecutor in the Proceedings

It shall be the duty of the provincial or the city prosecutor or their assistants or state prosecutor or their assistants or state prosecutors to prepare the appropriate petition in all proceedings arising from the act.


Section 66
Suspension of sentence of a First–time Minor Offender

An accused who is over fifteen years of age at the time of the commission of the offense mentioned in Section 11 of the Act, but not more than eighteen years of age at the time when judgment should have been promulgated after having been found guilty of said offense, may be given the benefits of a suspended sentence, subject to the following conditions:

a.   He/she has not been previously convicted of violating any provision of the Act, or of the Dangerous Drugs Act of 1972, as amended; or of the Revised Penal Code; or of any special penal laws;

b.  He/she has not been previously committed to a Center or to the care of a DOH–accredited physician; and

c.   The Board favorably recommends that his/her sentence be suspended.

While under suspended sentence, he/she shall be under the supervision and rehabilitative surveillance of the Board, under such conditions that the court may impose for a period ranging from six months to eighteen months.

Upon recommendation of the Board, the court may commit the accused under suspended sentence to a Center, or to the care of a DOH–accredited physician for at least six months, with the after–care and follow–up program for not more than eighteen months.

In the case of minors under fifteen years of age at the time of the commission of any offense penalized under the Act, Article 192 of Presidential Decree No. 603, otherwise known as the Child and Youth Welfare Code, as amended by Presidential Decree No. 1179 shall apply, without prejudice to the application of the provision of this Section.


Section 67
Discharge after compliance with conditions of suspended sentence of a first–time minor offender

If the accused first–time minor offender under suspended sentence complies with the applicable rules and regulations of the Board, including confinement in a center, the court, upon favorable recommendation of the Board for the final discharge of the accused, shall discharge the accused and dismiss all proceedings.

Upon the dismissal of the proceedings against the accused, the court shall enter an order to expunge all official records, other than the confidential record to be retained by the DOH relating to the case. Such an order, which shall be kept confidential, shall restore the accused to his/her status prior to the case. He/she shall not be held thereafter to be guilty or perjury or of concealment or misrepresentation by reason of his/her failure to acknowledge the case or recite any fact related thereto in response to any injury made of him for any purpose.


Section 68
Privilege of Suspended Sentence to be availed of Only Once by a First Time Minor Offender

The privilege of suspended sentence shall be availed of only once by an accused drug dependent who is a first–time offender over fifteen years of age at the time of the commission of the violation of Section 15 of the Act but not more than eighteen years of age at the time when judgment should have been promulgated.


Section 69
Promulgation of Sentence for First–Time Minor Offender

If the accused first–time minor offender violates any of the conditions of his/her suspended sentence, the applicable rules and regulations of the Board exercising supervision and rehabilitative surveillance over him, including the rules and regulations of the center should be required, the court shall pronounce judgment of conviction and he/she shall serve as any other convicted person.


Section 70
Probation or Community Service for a First–Time Minor Offender in Lieu of Imprisonment

Upon promulgation of the sentence, the court may, in its discretion, place the accused under probation, even if the sentence provided under the Act is higher than that provided under existing law on probation, or impose community service in lieu of imprisonment. In case of probation, the supervision and rehabilitative surveillance shall be undertaken by the Board through the DOH in coordination with the Board of Pardons and Parole and the Probation Administration. Upon compliance with the conditions of the probation, the Board shall submit a written report to the court recommending termination of probation and a final discharge of the probationer, whereupon the court shall issue such an order.

The community service shall be complied with under conditions, time and place as may be determined by the court in its discretion and upon the recommendation of the Board and shall apply only to violators of Section 15 of the act. The completion of the community service shall be under the supervision and rehabilitative surveillance of the Board during the period required by the court. Thereafter, the Board shall render a report on the manner of compliance of said community service. The court in its discretion may require extension of the community service or order a final discharge.

In both cases, the judicial records shall be covered by the provisions of Section 60 and 64 of the Act.

If the sentence promulgated by the court requires imprisonment, the period spent in the Center by the accused during the suspended sentence period shall be deducted from the sentence to be served.


Section 71
Records to be kept by the Department of Justice

The DOJ shall keep a confidential record of the proceedings on suspension of sentence and shall not be used for any purpose other than to determine whether or not a person accused under the Act is a first–timer minor offender.


Section 72
Liability of a Person who violates the Confidentiality of Records

The penalty of imprisonment ranging from six months and one day to six years and a fine ranging from One Thousand pesos (P1,000.00) to Six thousand pesos (P6,000.00), shall be imposed upon any person who, having official custody of or access to the confidential records of any drug dependent under voluntary submission programs, or anyone who, having gained possession of said records, whether lawfully or not, reveals their content to an person other than those charged with the prosecution of the offenses under the Act and its implementation. The maximum penalty shall be imposed, in addition to absolute perpetual disqualification form any public office, when the offender is a government official or employee. Should the records be used for unlawful purposes, such as blackmail of the drug dependent or members of his/her family, the penalty imposed for the crime of violation of confidentiality shall be in addition to whatever crime he/she may be convicted of.


Section 73
Liability of a Parent, Spouse or Guardian who refuses to Cooperate with the Board or any Concerned Agency

Any parent, spouse of guardian who without valid reason, refuses to cooperate with the Board or any concerned agency in the treatment and rehabilitation of a drug dependent who is a minor, or in any manner, prevents or delays the after–care, follow–up other programs for the welfare of the accused drug dependent, whether under voluntary submission program or compulsory submission program, may be cited for contempt by the court.


Section 74
Cost–sharing in the Treatment and Rehabilitation of a Drug Dependent

The parent, spouse, guardian or any relative within the fourth degree of consanguinity of any person who is confined under the voluntary submission program shall be charged a certain percentage of cost of his/her treatment and rehabilitation, the guidelines of which shall be formulated by the DSWD taking into consideration the economic status of the family of the person confined. The guidelines therein formulated shall be implemented by a social worker of the local government unit.

a.   Persons sharing the Cost of Treatment and Rehabilitation of a Drug Dependent

The parent, spouse, guardian or any relative within the fourth degree of consanguinity of any person who is confined under the voluntary submission program or compulsory submission program shall share the cost of treatment and rehabilitation of a drug dependent: Provided, however, that in case a dependent has no parent, spouse, guardian or relative within the fourth degree of consanguinity, his/her rehabilitation shall be through the auspices of any government rehabilitation center.

b.     Factors in determining cost

In government rehabilitation centers, the following factors shall be taken into consideration in determining the share of the cost:

1.   Family income in relation to poverty threshold based on assessment of the LGU social worker. Family income refers to the aggregate of primary income, property income, pension and other current transfers received by the immediate family or relatives of the drug dependent;

2.    Capacity of the province/city/municipality based on their income classification; and

3.   The cost of treatment and rehabilitation based on a center’s facilities, programs and services.

c.       Guiding Principles

The following guiding principles shall be observed:

1.   A family whose income is within poverty threshold shall be fully subsidized by the government;

2.   The higher the income of the family, the higher is its percentage share;

3.   The higher the capacity of the LGU, the better the quality of programs, services and structure it shall provide;

4.   Confidentiality of drug abuse cases shall be observed; and

5.   Same quality of services shall be provided to both paying and non–paying drug dependents

d.     Formulation of Cost Sharing Schedule

Within sixty days upon effectivity of this IRR, the respective provincial/city/municipal councils shall pass an ordinance prescribing the cost–sharing percentage for the treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependents


Section 75
Treatment and Rehabilitation Centers

The existing treatment and rehabilitation center for drug dependents operated and maintained by the NBI and the PNP shall be operated, maintained and managed by the DOH, in coordination with other concerned agencies. For the purpose of enlarging the network of centers, the Board, through the DOH, shall encourage, promote or whenever feasible, assist or support in the establishment, operations and maintenance of private centers which shall be eligible to receive grants, donations or subsidy from either government or private sources. It shall also support the establishment of government–operated regional treatment and rehabilitation centers depending upon the availability of funds. The national government, through its appropriate agencies shall give priority funding for the increase of subsidy to existing government drug rehabilitation centers, and shall establish at least one rehabilitation center in each province, depending on the availability of funds

To ensure proper treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependents, the DOH shall perform the following;

a.   Formulate standards and guidelines for the operation and maintenance of all treatment and rehabilitation centers nationwide;

b.  Develop a system for monitoring and supervision of all drug rehabilitation centers nationwide;

c.   Create programs which will advocate for the establishment of LGU–assisted rehabilitation facilities in each province;

d.  Submit to the Department of Budget and Management a budget for the establishment and operation of drug rehabilitation centers; and

e.   Facilitate the turnover of all the rehabilitation centers from the PNP and NBI thru a Memorandum of Agreement

f.    That shall be signed within sixty days after approval of this IRR.


Section 76
The Duties and Responsibilities of the Department of Health (DOH) under the act

The DOH shall: 

a.    Oversee and monitor the integration, coordination and supervision of all drug rehabilitation, intervention, after–care and follow–up programs, projects and activities, as well as the establishment, operations, maintenance and management of privately–owned drug treatment rehabilitation centers and drug testing networks and laboratories throughout the country, in coordination with the DSWD and other agencies;

b.  License, accredit, establish and maintain drug test network and laboratory; and initiate conduct and support scientific research on drugs and drug control;

c.   Encourage, assist and accredit private centers; and promulgate rules and regulations setting minimum standards for their accreditation to assure their competence, integrity and stability;

d. Prescribe and promulgate rules and regulations governing the establishment of such centers as it may deem necessary after conducting a feasibility study thereof;

e.   The DOH shall, without prejudice to the criminal prosecution of those found guilty of violating the Act, order the closure of a Center for treatment and rehabilitation of drug dependency when, after investigation it is found guilty of violating the provisions of the Act or regulations issued by the Board; and

f.     Charge reasonable fees for drug dependency examinations other medical and legal services provided to the public, which shall accrue to the Board. All income derived from these sources shall be part of the funds constituted as special funds for the implementation of the Act under Section 87.



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